Chelsea moves for Barcelona pair de Jong and Aubameyang go to the wire

Chelsea and Manchester United’s pursuit of Frenkie de Jong will go down to the wire as he waits for compromise over wages owed by Barcelona, while Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang’s Blues switch depends on Catalans accepting a fee below £25m

  • Chelsea bids for two different Barcelona players currently hang in the balance
  • Frenkie de Jong and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang may move to Stamford Bridge
  • The Dutchman is owed £17m in unpaid wages, which is hampering a proposal 
  • Barcelona may cut a deal involving Aubameyang in return for Marcos Alonso

Chelsea’s tussles with Barcelona in the transfer market will continue up until the closure of the window next week.

Frenkie de Jong’s long-awaited departure from Camp Nou will be a rushed job, with the Dutchman waiting for a compromise over wages the Catalan club owe him.

The 25-year-old is already owed £17million in amortisations and back payments by the club, and his future is unlikely to be resolved until that matter is worked out.

Frenkie de Jong, right, may have to leave the Nou Camp as Barcelona want him off their books

Manchester United remain highly invested in pursuit of de Jong, despite a lack of success so far in bringing the Dutchman back to a working relationship with Erik ten Hag. United’s interest in him has not waned, despite the signing of £70m star Casemiro. 

If United cannot persuade de Jong, he could be tempted to join Chelsea, where Champions League football is an option this season, especially if he will find first-team opportunities limited if he is frozen out in Spain.

Meanwhile, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang could be returning to the Premier League, if Barcelona will agree a fee below €30m (£25m) for their French-born striker.

Barcelona are keen to offload players because of a high wage bill, and to free up funds to allow them to register incoming stars.

The two prestigious clubs have been involved in a number of transfer battles during this window.

Striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang may move to Chelsea, but the deal will be a close one

First, Barcelona got the better of Chelsea when they signed Raphinha from Leeds, despite the Blues believing the player was theirs.

Jules Kounde then chose to remain in La Liga, switching from Sevilla to the Nou Camp, rather than moving to London – although he has still not yet been registered to play in La Liga, because of Barcelona’s financial issues.

Barcelona were also thought to be interested in Chelsea captain Cesar Azpilicueta, although he signed a new contract at Stamford Bridge, but may still move for current Blue, and former Real Madrid youth player, Marcos Alonso.

Alonso may form part of any deal which would see Aubameyang coming back to London after his stint with Arsenal. 

Jules Kounde, pictured in a pre-season match, still has to be registered for league action




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